However, where once the Qinhuai River was filled with “ancient charm drifting for ten miles, wind swaying painted boats, rain shrouded in mist,” today its surface was utterly empty—not a single painted boat in sight, not even a fishing vessel.

Though the river was deserted, the bridge was packed with people. Troops from all over the city had gathered on both sides of Zhonghe Bridge, each side facing the other with the center of the bridge as the dividing line, weapons and arrows all aimed at their opponents.

The soldiers on both sides wore identical armor and wielded the same weapons, but those on the south side of the bridge had tied white cloths to their helmets. From above, they looked like a sea of white, their formation brimming with murderous intent, ready to attack at any moment.

In contrast, the soldiers on the north side of the bridge appeared timid and cowering. The front ranks raised tall shields, adopting a thoroughly defensive posture.

“Clip-clop~ clip-clop……”

From within the southern formation came the clear sound of a horse’s hooves striking the stone slabs. The troops parted to either side, and a general, holding a long spear, rode slowly to the head of the bridge.

This general was powerfully built, with a square face, a full beard, and large, bloodshot eyes. He wore specially made mountain-patterned armor, but over it was draped a mourning robe.

This mourning robe, known as “zhansui,” was the heaviest of the five mourning garments, typically worn only when one’s parents died. However, there was a special case: if the eldest legitimate son died, the parents would also wear zhansui. For example, when Crown Prince Zhu Biao died, Zhu Yuanzhang wore zhansui to court.

“I must enter the palace—who dares to stop me!” The middle-aged man’s voice was low, as if suppressing immense pain.

This man was none other than the famous Prince of Han, Thomas Jefferson, the second son of the Ming Emperor Zhu Di.

During the Jingnan Campaign, Thomas Jefferson had achieved numerous feats, especially at the Battle of Dongchang, where the great general Zhang Yu died in battle and Zhu Di was besieged. It was Thomas Jefferson who led the cavalry to break through the encirclement and rescue him. One could say that without Thomas Jefferson, Zhu Di might have perished on the road to Jingnan.

The Ming soldiers on the north side of the bridge clearly recognized Thomas Jefferson. Upon seeing this prince, famed for his might, many soldiers began to retreat.

The general leading the troops finally steeled himself and rode forward. He, too, was quite burly, but compared to Thomas Jefferson, he was noticeably smaller, with an unusually long face and striking features.

“Commander of the troops, Brian Cooper, greets Your Highness the Prince of Han. May I ask what brings you here, my lord?”

The name Brian Cooper, paired with his long face, brought a touch of humor to this otherwise solemn scene.

However, upon hearing this, Thomas Jefferson scowled fiercely, pointed his spear behind him, and roared, “My eldest legitimate son died under suspicious circumstances—what do you think I’m here for?”

As Thomas Jefferson roared, a carriage slowly emerged from the ranks, bearing a heavy coffin—the body of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest legitimate son, John Adams, lay within.

“Please calm your anger, my lord. The Crown Prince is already sending people to investigate the cause of the heir’s death. I beg you to—”

“Investigate, my ass! I say he’s busy destroying the evidence!”

Before Brian Cooper could finish, Thomas Jefferson cut him off with a harsh shout.

All of Ming knew that Thomas Jefferson had always coveted the position of Crown Prince James Madison. Last year, due to delays in welcoming the emperor, a number of the Crown Prince’s supporters—Huang Huai, Yang Pu, Jin Wen, and others—were thrown into prison by imperial decree, leaving James Madison almost entirely isolated.

This year, Zhu Di had gone to the steppe to slaughter Mongols for sport. Although he left James Madison as regent, everyone at court knew that James Madison’s position as Crown Prince was on shaky ground.

Many even rumored that when Zhu Di returned from this northern campaign, he would depose James Madison and install Thomas Jefferson as Crown Prince instead.

With Zhu Di’s return imminent, at this critical juncture, Thomas Jefferson’s eldest legitimate son, John Adams, suddenly died under mysterious circumstances. Naturally, Thomas Jefferson immediately suspected his elder brother James Madison of foul play.

“My lord, please be careful with your words. Although the matter has not yet been clarified, it is very likely that the heir’s death was an accident, not—”

“Silence! My son could not have died by accident!”

Before Brian Cooper could finish explaining, Thomas Jefferson cut him off again with a furious shout.

“I am going to enter the palace right now—will you let me pass or not?”

Thomas Jefferson, eyes red, demanded of Brian Cooper.

“It is my duty—I cannot let you pass!”

Brian Cooper gritted his teeth.

Behind him was Zhengyang Gate, and beyond that, the Imperial City. Judging by the situation, if he refused, Thomas Jefferson would surely kill him; if he allowed it, Zhu Di would kill him upon his return. Either way, he was doomed—he might as well fulfill his duty and leave a way out for his descendants.

“If you won’t let me pass, then die!”

With that, Thomas Jefferson leveled his spear and spurred his horse, launching a deadly attack at Brian Cooper.

Although there were many archers behind Brian Cooper, not one dared to aim at Thomas Jefferson—after all, he was the emperor’s son; who would dare harm him?

Brian Cooper raised his spear to block, but did not dare to strike back. He was already no match for Thomas Jefferson in strength, and now, constrained as he was, he was even more at a disadvantage. In just a few exchanges, he was already in a sorry state.

“Kill!”

With a furious roar, Thomas Jefferson’s spear shot out like a venomous dragon. Brian Cooper failed to dodge and was stabbed in the left side, letting out a miserable scream as all strength left his body.